Spurs, Manu close to extension

According to Johnny Ludden and Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Manu Ginobili may be getting his extension after all.

Manu Ginobili and the San Antonio Spurs are close to reaching agreement on a three-year extension that would keep the guard from entering this summer’s heralded free-agent market, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

There are still a couple of significant issues to be resolved within the next 24 to 48 hours, but the two sides have established the framework of the extension – which could be a worth a total of up to $40 million over the three years – and think the deal could be completed by the end of the week. Ginobili’s agent, Herb Rudoy, is expected to meet with Spurs officials after the team returns from Phoenix Thursday morning.

With the way Manu has played of late, it’s about time the Spurs front office realized that it was in their best interests to retain Manu and keep him from a few teams with deep pockets this summer.

In 17 games since March 6, he is averaging 24.4 points. He’s also scored 30 or more points in five of those games, including a 43-point outing against the Orlando Magic.

Ginobili is reportedly earning $10.7 million this season. With this extension, it’s clear Spurs’ owner Peter Holt is willing to bite the bullet again, even if it means paying another $10 million towards the luxury tax.

Manu has willingly put this team on his shoulders and kept them afloat with Tony Parker out and Tim Duncan seemingly struggling every couple of games. And a well-earned extension is exactly the kind of thanks he deserves.